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Review of The Way of Grace (Miller's Creek, Book 3) by Cathy Bryant + Guest Post!

The Way of Grace
Miller's Creek, Book 3
by Cathy Bryant
Copyright 2012
ISBN: 9780984431144

My Review:The Way of Grace is book three in the Miller's Creek series and while it has a different feel than the first two books it is still a good story in it's own right. Fans of Christian suspense will really enjoy the mystery and the plot that keeps one guessing as to what will happen next. This book ranks up there with many Christian suspense novels that I've read from Revell and other big name publishers which is always nice when reading a self-published novel.

Grace's story really surprised me because the ending was completely unexpected. It was the best part of the story. I don't want to give too much away but the perfect happily ever after doesn't come for Grace BUT a realistic happily ever after does. She struggled with her faith and a moral dilemma at work and in the end she ended up making a huge sacrifice for someone who never treated her well. This is a book with a character who faces a lot of issues that Christian's deal with daily. The Way of Grace isn't as romantic as the previous two books but it's a pretty thought-provoking read.

If you've read the other books in the series and enjoyed them I highly recommend that you continue with this book. Even if you haven't read the other books in the series you can read this without confusion or major spoilers.

~ My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ~

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

If you think this book sounds great, read the special guest post below written by Cathy. I encourage you to check out her books and visit her website by following the links at the end of this post!

Creating characters is one of the most important things fiction writers do. A novelist can have the most
superb plot ever written, but if the cast consists of unbelievable cardboard cutouts, the story will fall
short. Writers are taught to make lengthy character analyses, subject these figments of our imagination
to personality tests, and even interview them over a cup of coffee! (Yeah, we’re all certifiable…)
So we struggle with these make-believe people—wrestle them into position and demand they open
their souls for our microscopic perusal.

In the process of trying to dissect (not literally, but almost…) my latest heroine, Gracie Soldano—a young
woman very eager to impress—I learned an important lesson. Once I create a character, they have to
stay true to who I made them to be. In the bigger scheme of things, the same could be said for each of
us.

We hear about people—especially famous people—reinventing themselves, usually with a new hairdo,
a different wardrobe, and possibly even plastic surgery. Hopefully we all realize that external change
will never be permanent. Life happens. The years—and gravitational pull—take their toll on our earthly
tents. Wrinkles and gray hair appear whether we’re ready or not. And even if we cover them up, they’ll
eventually be back.

So why do people try to make themselves over into someone they’re not? For social reasons? To feel
better about themselves? To somehow prove their worth? I don’t have the answers. I just know that
as a recovering perfectionist and half-a-centenarian, I hope to have that part of my spiritual growing
process behind me.

For years, like a scaly chameleon, I attempted to change who I was based on the other people around
me. Like my character Gracie, it was done partially in an effort to impress, and partially to prove I was
worthy of their friendship. And the results were disastrous. Like characters we don’t quite buy, people
were skeptical, and rightfully so.

Here’s the plain-Jane, honest-to-goodness truth: we can’t be anyone besides us; can’t make ourselves
any better or more acceptable. And quite frankly, any attempt to do so must surely be an affront to the
One who created us and has the perfect plan for our life. Only He can bring about lasting change of any
worth, and I’m grateful I’ve finally learned there’s no need or reason for me to be someone I’m not.

Now if I can just teach that to my characters… ;)

Recovering perfectionist Cathy Bryant is the author of the Miller’s Creek Novels—Texas Roads, A Path
Less Traveled, and The Way of Grace. Her desire is to write heart-stirring stories about God’s life-
changing grace. Though Texas-born, she currently resides in the beautiful Ozark mountains of northwest
Arkansas with her husband of thirty years and near the world’s cutest grandson. You can learn more
about her and her books at http://www.CatBryant.com and http://WordVessel.blogspot.com.

About the book:The Way of Grace by Cathy Bryant
(Book 3 in the Miller’s Creek novels)

In pursuit of justice, in need of grace . . .

A justice-seeking perfectionist pursues her dream of a perfect life in her hometown of Miller’s Creek,
Texas. Sidetracked by the desire to be a prosecuting attorney, Grace Soldano launches into uncharted
waters, making herself over to please her boss and mentor. Then a disheveled free spirit turns her
perfectly ordered world upside down, challenging the concept of personal goodness. A fall from
perfection leaves Grace teetering between vengeance and grace, caught in a deadly crossfire that leaves
her dreams in a heap of ashes. Can she learn to joyfully accept the life God has given her–far from
perfect–but one completely immersed in His grace?

Comments

Sorry I'm so late arriving to say thanks for taking the time to read and review the story, Renee. (My hubby's mom passed away earlier this week and we just arrived home from the funeral.) So glad you enjoyed the story!

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